Honda->ke34 has pulled the covers off its newest, most technologically advanced version of the popular Accord.->ke237 Heavily refreshed for the 2016 model year, the Accord now boasts an updated look inside and out, with a host of new features and gadgets. Most of the mechanicals carry over from the 2015 car; the Accord still offers two stout engine options fitted with a manual transmission, a conventional six-speed automatic, or a CVT. Honda seems set on shaking the Accord’s bland reputation as a family sedan->ke142 with this refresh, and from the looks of things, bland is nowhere to be seen.

The new Accord enjoyed its reveal party in the fitting location of Silicon Valley in California. The technology epicenter is home to companies like Google and Apple – both of whom now have their latest car-centered tech inside the Accord. Yep, both Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto are present. The mobile device-compatible software integration now allows users to connect their iPhone or Android devices to the Accord’s infotainment system and display a condensed version of their phones' interfaces.

Of course, Honda Sensing is offered. It now comes with Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. All trim levels can be optioned with Honda Sensing, while the range-topping Touring model gets it as standard.

The Accord has been one of the best selling sedans for decades, but will the new improvements be enough to keep its position on the leader board?

Updated 08/11/2015: Honda announced prices for the 2016 Accord sedan, which will go on sale later in the summer. Prices will range from $22,105 for the LX with the six-speed manual transmission to $34,580 for the Touring V-6 version with the six-speed automatic.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Honda Accord.

2016 Honda Accord

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Honda Accord
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 185 @ 6400
  • Torque: 181 @ 3900
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Accord sedan and coupe->ke141 get a welcomed refresh for their front and rear fascias. The styling is much more angular and aggressive, with a bolder grille, a new aluminum hood, and LED-encrusted lights. In fact, the design is downright Acura->ke10-looking, even down to the beak-like grille. Around back, the tail enjoys a longer yet sharper chrome accent piece running above the taillights. Those taillights are also new and give the car extra horizontal dimension thanks to their long LED piping. A matching chrome piece resides along the lower section of the bumper, giving the car more flash. The side profile and doors remain basically intact from last year.

The Sport trim and above come with LED fog lights, while the Touring comes with full LED headlights. All models have LED daytime running lights. Every model also has restyled wheels, with the Sport and Touring trims get larger 19-inch rims.

Side-by-Side comparison

Interior

Honda has updated its lower touchscreen to a larger 7-inch unit. The screen is paired with the upper 7.7-inch screen. Working in conjunction, both screens offer an intuitive display of information from GPS navigation to song titles. The lower screen even allows multi-gestures like swipes, pinches and taps.

More specifically, the upper screen takes care of audio settings, turn-by-turn directions, the rearview camera, incoming calls, SMS text messages, and parking sensor alerts. That rearview camera is also new for 2016 and offers what Honda calls its Multi-Angle view.

Other features include a new auto high-beam assist for the headlights. Available on the Touring trim, the system works to keep the high-beams from blinding other drivers while automatically turning the high-beams on in dark areas.

All trim levels besides the base LX now have a 60/40 split folding rear seat, where the previous seatback was all one piece. The Touring trim now also has heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

It’s clear to see Honda has put technology at the forefront of the Accord’s 2016 refresh.

Drivetrain

The Accord’s two powertrains carry over from last year without any advertised changes. That means the base engine is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

The four-cylinder features direct fuel injection and Honda’s i-VTEC valvetrain system and makes 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque in every trim level except the Sport, which sees an increase of four horsepower and one pound-foot of torque.

The optional engine is Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter V-6. The V-6 also uses the i-VTEC technology but is combined with a multi-port fuel injection system. The all-aluminum engine makes a respectable 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque.

The EPA rated the 2015 Accord with the 2.4-liter at 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined with the six-speed manual transmission. Opt for the CVT and the EPA estimates moved up to 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The V-6 with the six-speed automatic was rated at 21 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Don’t expect those numbers to change much in light of the new visual and tech updates, though.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine Type

In-Line 4-Cylinder

V-6

Engine Block/Cylinder Head

Aluminum-Alloy

Aluminum-Alloy

Displacement (cc)

2356

3471

Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)

185 @ 6400

278 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net)

181 @ 3900

252 @ 4900

Bore and Stroke (mm)

87 x 99.1

89 x 93


Prices

Model

Transmission

MSRP

EPA City/Hwy/Combined MPG

SEDAN

4-cylinder models

Accord LX Sedan

6-Speed Manual

$22,105

23/34/27

CVT1

$22,905

27/37/31

CVT w/Honda Sensing

$23,905

27/37/31

Accord Sport Sedan

6-Speed Manual

$24,165

23/34/27

CVT

$24,965

26/35/30

CVT w/Honda Sensing

$25,965

26/35/30

Accord EX Sedan

6-Speed Manual

$25,480

23/34/27

CVT

$26,280

27/37/31

CVT w/Honda Sensing

$27,280

27/37/31

Accord EX-L Sedan

CVT

$28,420

27/37/31

Accord EX-L Sedan Navi w/Honda Sensing

CVT

$30,570

27/37/31

V-6 models

Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan

6-Speed Automatic

$30,645

21/34/26

Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan Navi w/Honda Sensing

6-Speed Automatic

$32,645

21/34/26

Accord Touring V-6

6-Speed Automatic

$34,580

21/34/26


Competition

2015 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry->ke246 and the Accord have long been throwing jabs at each other from opposing sides of the same ring – each landing solid punches on the other year after year. However, it is usually the Camry that wins out when the sales tallies are counted. Toyota->ke88 has given customers even more reasons to choose the Camry since its 2015 refresh. A new, much more expressive design pulls the Camry away from the boring box, though the new Accord now has a far more luxurious appeal to it also.

Like the Accord, the Camry is offered with both a four-cylinder and a V-6. Sadly, those who want to row their own gears or want a coupe will have to choose the Accord as the Camry offers neither. Still, the Toyota proves to be a solid competitor against even this new and improved Honda.

Read our full review here.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Look up the definition of “underdog” in the dictionary and the Sonata’s picture might as well be posted there. Hyundai->ke201 is still proving itself as a worthy automaker that moves decent and desirable vehicles. The 2015 Sonata is a shining example of that. With interior room to spare, fantastic fit and finish, and some impressive powertrain options, the Sonata gives both the Camry and Accord a hard fight. Shoppers would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t at least consider the Sonata before choosing either of the more (traditionally) mainstream choices.

Read our full review here,

Conclusion

The Accord has always been a top seller in both the sedan and coupe segments. Honda’s improvements for the 2016 model year should only help the Accord’s standings against its rivals. With its more Acura-like looks, loads of technology features, LED exterior lights, and upgraded wheel designs, the Accord is set for a bright future. It will be interesting to see if it can topple the Camry while fending off the up-and-coming Sonata.

The 2016 Accord will hit dealers in August and Honda has promised news regarding the Accord Hybrid on a later date. Stay tuned.